National Scenic Byways and Other Recreational Drives

Pleasure driving is a popular activity on the White Mountain National Forest, especially during the fall foliage season. Roads are often busy with both tourist and through traffic, so remember to drive defensively. If you want a closer look at a beautiful view, take time to pull safely off the road and let other traffic pass. Be especially alert for wildlife crossing roads.

Listed here are just a few popular driving routes. By exploring with a road map, you can find many other wonderful places to drive.

Kancamagus Highway

Kancamagus Highway covers 28 miles on State Highway 112 through the White Mountain National Forest from Conway to Lincoln. One of the best highways in America for viewing fall foliage, it also offers a wide array of recreational opportunities. (White Mountain National Forest; Federal Building, 719 Main Street; Box 638, Laconia, NH 03247 603/524-6450)

Kancamagus Highway - Crawford Notch (Rt. 302) Franconia Notch (Franconia Notch State Parkway)

Approximately 3 hours. this loop takes you through two of the white Mountains' famous notches (known as passes or gaps in other paRts of the country). There are beautiful views of mountains and tall cliffs, including the famed"Old Man of the Mountain" in Franconia Notch. The Kancamagus Scenic Byway passes through the heaRt of the White Mountains. This is a very heavily used route. Contact: Saco Ranger Station.

Pinkham Notch (Rt. 16) Berlin - Groveton (Rt. 110n) Lancaster (Rt. 3s) - Gorham (RT. 2)

Approximately 1 1/2 hours. This drive takes you through the farther reaches of the White Mountains, including spectacular views of the northern Presidential Mountains. Contact: Androscoggin Ranger Station.

Patte Brook Auto Tour

This 4 mile self-guided tour on the Evan's Notch Ranger District highlights different aspects of multiple-use resource management. Contact: Evan's Notch Ranger Station.

Smaller Roads

he White Mountain National Forest is closed to off-road vehicles. With a highway registered vehicle, you can enjoy scenic driving on several rustic woods roads. These roads offer beautiful scenery and a chance to explore the National Forest away from major highways.

These include:
Kilkenny Loop Road
Sandwich Notch Road
Jefferson Notch Road
Slippery Brook Road
Pinkham B. (Dolly Copp) Road